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In this update:
Save the Date: Farmers Breakfast
Our annual Farmers Breakfast is back, and it is shaping up to be one of our best yet! Registration is now open – we are encouraging you to reserve your spot early. This event brings together farmers, local leaders, and partners for a morning of conversation and connection over a delicious breakfast. More details are coming soon, including the announcement of our guest speaker. If you joined us last year, you would remember hearing from Congressman G.T. Thompson, and we are excited to continue that tradition with another strong speaker this year. Do you want to be the first to know who our guest speaker will be? Make sure you are subscribed to our Farmers e-newsletter so you don’t miss the announcement. Event Details: The deadline to register is Feb. 9. Please note, we are requiring each attendee to register individually to ensure we have enough seating and food. U.S. Supreme Court Hears Cases on Fairness in Female Athletics
This week, I traveled to Washington, D.C. to stand in front of the U.S. Supreme Court alongside thousands of advocates who believe in fairness, safety, and opportunity for female athletes. SCOTUS heard arguments in two important cases involving state laws designed to protect women’s sports. It was powerful to be there as these historic decisions, Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J, are being considered. Here in Pennsylvania, I have proudly championed the Save Women’s Sports Act because I believe athletic teams designated for women should be reserved for biological females at both the K–12 and collegiate levels. Senate Bill 9, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, reinforces the original intent of Title IX by ensuring female athletes are not denied scholarships, roster spots, or podium opportunities due to unfair competition. It acknowledges biological reality and protects a safe, level playing field for women and girls. The Senate passed that legislation in May of 2025 with strong bipartisan support, and it now awaits action in the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, the bill continues to be stalled, despite overwhelming public support for fairness in women’s athletics. Standing at SCOTUS reminded me just how important this fight is. This is about defending our daughters, protecting opportunities, and preserving the integrity of women’s sports for generations to come. I will continue to advocate for passage of Senate Bill 9 and uphold the promise of Title IX here in Pennsylvania. 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Now Being Accepted
The application period is now open for this year’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which provides rebates from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. Forms and instructions are available online, and eligible Pennsylvanians are encouraged to file their applications via myPATH to ensure their rebates are processed as quickly as possible. Please reach out to my office with any questions. Survey: Should Taxpayers Pay?
In April 2025, Pennsylvanians were shaken by a violent and unprecedented attack on the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg. The individual responsible scaled a security fence, broke into the residence, and set a fire before fleeing. He was later apprehended and pleaded guilty to attempted murder and aggravated arson. Following that attack, the Pennsylvania State Police recommended significant security upgrades to the public Governor’s Residence, where the crime occurred. In addition to insurance coverage, taxpayers have already spent more than $30 million to repair fire damage and implement enhanced security measures with costs that are still ongoing. What has raised serious concerns, however, is the discovery that taxpayer funds were also spent on security upgrades to the personal residence of Josh Shapiro, located roughly 100 miles away from the site of the attack. According to findings by Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16), these upgrades cost approximately $1.3 million, exceeding the estimated value of the home itself. Taxpayer-funded upgrades to a governor’s private residence are unprecedented. For comparison, former Gov. Tom Wolf personally paid for security upgrades to his private home when he chose not to live in the Governor’s Residence. That’s why I’m working with Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) on the Safeguard Act, legislation designed to protect both public safety and taxpayer dollars. This proposal would place a lien on a governor’s personal property if taxpayer-funded security upgrades are made, ensuring those improvements cannot be used for personal financial gain when the property is sold or transferred. We can, and must, keep our public officials safe. But we also owe taxpayers transparency, accountability, and fairness. Before additional funds leave the Treasury, I believe it’s reasonable to ask: Should taxpayers be required to subsidize $1.3 million in security upgrades to a governor’s personal home? Your Input Wanted on Program Helping PA Seniors and People with Disabilities
Older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities and their families can find services and support in their community through Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources (PA Link). Public input is wanted on a plan to redesign and improve PA Link. The plan calls for developing performance metrics, expanding call center functionality, deploying volunteers for community engagement and more. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging will hold a listening session Jan. 27, and the public comment period will be open until Feb. 9. You can review the draft plan, submit comments, and sign up for the listening session here. Tips for Preparing for Winter Storms and Power Outages
Winter storms are part of Pennsylvania living, and they’re made worse when the power goes out. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission offers these tips for what to do before and during winter storms:
Learn more about what to do if you lose power during the storm, how to stay safe while waiting for power to be restored and what utilities do to deal with storms here. Deadline Approaching for PennDOT “Innovations Challenge”
How can artificial intelligence (AI) improve work zone safety? That’s the latest Pennsylvania Department of Transportation “Innovations Challenge” for high school students. Students are asked to develop a concept for the use of AI in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and motorists. The concept should take into consideration cost-benefit information, statewide deployment implications and public outreach. Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winners. Teams must submit entries by Jan. 30 for a chance at a prize. Rules and submission information can be found here. Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream
Americans of all colors and backgrounds are bound by a love of liberty, a can-do spirit, and other ideals that resonate strongly across the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to recommit to celebrating what brings us together and to seeing each other as fellow citizens, judged by what we do and not what we look like. AARP Offering Free Income Tax Prep
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is offering free income tax preparation services for York County citizens during the 2025 tax season, with a special focus on adults 50 and older with low or moderate income. Last year alone, nearly 100 trained volunteers helped file more than 4,300 federal, Pennsylvania, and local tax returns at 12 locations across York County. There is no fee, and AARP membership is not required. Appointments can be scheduled now. Learn where you can get tax-preparation assistance here. During your appointment time, make sure to bring:
Volunteers can assist with most personal income tax returns, including basic self-employment income. Business, rental, farm, partnership, or corporate returns are outside the scope of the program. For more information, contact York County AARP Foundation Tax-Aide by phone (717-640-5006), email, or visit its website. Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects
Most weeks, PennDOT provides me with its upcoming maintenance schedule. While my team and I aim to keep this information up to date, please note that the page may not always reflect the latest changes. For the most accurate details, I recommend checking back on Friday afternoons or over the weekend, as we usually receive updates from PennDOT on Fridays. You can view the full list here to see if any roadwork might impact you and your family.
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